Summary: This message is for all the smaller ministries and churches out there: I hope it encourages you to know small is not a bad thing when it comes to church and ministry - God is more interested in testimonies than attendance.

The Midianites oppress Israel for 7 years. God tells Gideon that He will use him to defeat the Midianites. Gideon is scared and doubtful and tests God.

Gideon begins his preparation for battle with Midian with 32,000 men. Midian had over 100,000 soldiers so they were still outnumbered.

God pulls a peculiar move here though. In Judges 7:2, God says “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’”

Instead of increasing the number of soldiers he decreases them more than 99%, from 32,000 to 300, leaving them outnumbered roughly 450 to 1.

God then delivers 135,000 Midianites into the hands of 300 soldiers led by a peasant.

God loves doing big things with small things so only He can claim the glory.

Unfortunately, we’re often so concerned with becoming a big thing that we miss the great things God wants to do with us right now.

The example most apparent to me is that of the local church.

George Barna tells us the average American church has fewer than 100 members.

Most small churches are so concerned with becoming bigger that they never experience the joy of who God strategically made them to be.

We must choose whether we’re more interested in attendance or testimonies.

Church growth must happen but it should only happen in line with God’s transformational work in individuals.

I think the best church growth happens out not up.

Don’t ever think God can’t use you because you’re small.

Dalai Lama quote - “If you think the small is insignificant try spending a night alone in a room with a mosquito.”

So what happens when we’re too focussed on becoming a “bigger” church?

Unmet expectations lead to frustration.

If I’m always striving for larger, I miss the joy of what God is doing and wants to do right now.

A superficial facade drives people away.

Now more than ever, people are looking for authenticity, love and community. Large churches often miss these and can rarely provide these.

Large crowds hinder fellowship and participation.

A healthy Body requires Christ centered fellowship where everyone is able to contribute. People often become insignificant spectators in large masses of people.

Large churches can quickly become so big and strong they almost don’t need God to do Great things.

Millions of dollars and thousands of people often result in less of a need to be dependent on Christ.

With all that in mind, big churches aren’t bad and small churches aren’t always perfect but more often than not, God chooses to use small groups rather than large ones.

Remember the average church has less than 100 members.

Again, God loves doing big things with small things so only He can claim the glory.

This message is for all the smaller ministries and churches out there: I hope it encourages you to know small is not a bad thing when it comes to church and ministry - God is more interested in testimonies than attendance.

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